Bristol City have joined the hunt for Michael Bridges with the Robins confirming they are in talks with the Sunderland striker.

Bridges has been told he does not figure in manager Mick McCarthy's plans and can leave Sunderland on a free transfer.

Derby, Nottingham Forest, Bradford City and Hartlepool have all been linked with the 26-year-old and now League One side Bristol have also entered the equation.

If he does end up at Ashton Gate Bridges would find himself playing alongside another ex-Sunderland man in Marcus Stewart, who moved back to his native city after his contract with the Black Cats expired at the end of last season.

City are on the lookout for a replacement striker after losing last season's top scorer Leroy Lita to Reading, and Bristol chairman Steve Lansdown says he is having discussions with an unnamed Premiership striker, but comments from City boss Brian Tinnion make it clear that the player in question is Bridges.

Former Newcastle player Tinnion added: "Michael Bridges is a player I'm interested in. The chairman is dealing with things on that front and I'm not too sure how far it's gone. But he is a striker who I think can do a job for us here."

Bridges has had a catalogue of injury problems since leaving Sunderland for Leeds in 1999 but he proved his fitness after last season returning to the club where he started his career, although he was unable to hold down a regular place in the side.

Tinnion said: "He just wants to play games regularly and establish himself in a team. Michael has had his problems with injury but is fit again and looking for an opportunity.

"His record suggests he is a goalscorer and we need players who can do that if we are to win promotion."

Lansdown said: "I can't confirm the name yet because the deal is still being finalised but it is close and we are talking about a quality player who has scored goals in the Premiership. It's certainly exciting."